an alliance of university, community, and government partners dedicated to fostering welcoming communities and promoting the integration of immigrants and minorities across Canada
The Media Roundup provides links to recent and archived articles, in both English and French, on immigration and diversity appearing in the national and local news. Some international content is also included. Articles are updated weekly.
Toronto Star – Jason Kenney Suspends Food Services Sector from Foreign Worker Program
Faced with an ugly trifecta of trouble with his temporary foreign worker program — anecdotal evidence and national perception followed by damning statistical evidence — Jason Kenney cut off Canada’s fast food industry Thursday. He could defend no more. He had to act, so he announced that the food services industry would be suspended from the program and that any pending applications are in limbo. […] He was reacting to series of revelations about small business in this country, those entrepreneurs the Conservatives have championed, who were uprooting Canadian workers and finding room for temporary foreign workers who would raise no problems with hours, holidays or conditions.
Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada – Communiqué – Préparer le lancement du système « Entrée express »
Le ministre de la Citoyenneté et de l’Immigration du Canada, l’honorable Chris Alexander, a annoncé aujourd’hui de nouvelles mesures touchant les principaux programmes d’immigration économique en vue du lancement l’année prochaine du système Entrée express, le nouveau modèle de recrutement dynamique du Canada. Grâce à l’Entrée express, le système d’immigration économique, qui sera plus rapide et plus souple, répondra mieux aux besoins de l’économie et du marché du travail canadiens. Pour se préparer au lancement du système Entrée express en 2015, Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada commencera à accepter des demandes au titre du Programme des travailleurs qualifiés (fédéral) (PTQF), du Programme des travailleurs de métiers spécialisés (fédéral) (PTMSF) et de la catégorie de l’expérience canadienne (CEC) à compter du 1er mai 2014.
Radio-Canada – Alberta : l’immigration francophone à l’Assemblée législative
L’Assemblée législative de l’Alberta demandera une étude sur l’immigration francophone au gouvernement, si une motion en ce sens est adoptée. David Dorward, le député d’Edmonton-Gold Bar, qui comprend le quartier francophone de Bonnie Doon, a inscrit la motion suivante dans le registre de l’Assemblée : « Que l’Assemblée législative presse le gouvernement [d’étudier] l’impact que les immigrants francophones ont sur le développement de la diversité au sein du tissu social de la province, des écoles, et de l’éducation postsecondaire. »— Motion de David Dorward, député d’Edmonton-Gold Bar. Cette motion sera débattue à une date ultérieure.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada News Release – Preparing for the Launch of “Express Entry”
Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today announced new measures in key economic immigration programs to prepare for next year’s launch of Express Entry, Canada’s new active recruitment model. Express Entry will lead to a faster and more flexible economic immigration system that will address Canada’s economic and labour market needs. To prepare for the launch of Express Entry in 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will begin accepting applications under new caps for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), starting May 1, 2014. These measures will ensure a steady supply of skilled workers who are settling in Canada permanently and helping to supplement the Canadian workforce in areas where there are skills shortages. With the FSWP backlog on track for elimination this year, a new cap of 25,000 applications will provide the appropriate number of applications to support expected admissions in 2015. The list of eligible occupations – reflecting the latest labour market needs – will be more than doubled, from 24 to 50 occupations.
The Record – Kenney: Only “Small Numbers” of TFW Abusers
Jason Kenney says only “small numbers” of companies are abusing Ottawa’s controversial temporary foreign workers program as a major fast-food chain freezes its participation and a respected economist casts fresh doubt on the extent of Canada’s skills shortage. In Manitoba on Wednesday, the federal employment minister reiterated that employers who abuse the program could face fraud charges and jail time. The program remains under review and further changes will be announced soon, he added. […] On Wednesday, McDonald’s announced it was putting on hold its participation in the program while a third party conducts an audit on its use of the plan. The fast-food giant has been in hot water for hiring so many temporary foreign workers at some of its Canadian franchises.
Huffington Post Canada – Jason Kenney Accuses Manitoba Government of Using Immigrants as “Political Props” Two Years Ago
Federal Employment Minister Jason Kenney says the Manitoba government should apologize for a controversial immigration event two years ago. Kenney says the province’s NDP government used immigrants as “political props” and engaged in fear-mongering over federal changes to immigration programs. In 2012, the Manitoba government was upset that Ottawa was taking control of immigrant settlement programs and warned the move could lead to service cuts. The government used bureaucrats to invite immigrants and support workers to attend a legislature debate, even if it meant taking an afternoon off work. Hundreds of people packed the legislature gallery, and Manitoba’s ombudsman later criticized the government for using non-partisan bureaucrats to organize the event. The government said it was simply responding to concerns from immigrant groups about the changes, and has said all political parties have the right to invite people to the legislature.
